Counselor Education Comprehensive Exam (CECE) Practice Exam

The personal unconscious and archetypes are key concepts in which therapeutic approach?

1. Alfred Adler

2. Carl Jung

3. Sigmund Freud

4. Fritz Perls

The correct answer is: Carl Jung

The personal unconscious and archetypes are fundamental components of Carl Jung's analytical psychology. Jung introduced the concept of the personal unconscious as an individual's unique collection of experiences, memories, and feelings, which shapes their personality. This is distinct from the collective unconscious, which contains shared memories and archetypes common across humanity. Archetypes are universal, symbolic images and themes that reside within the collective unconscious and manifest in dreams, myths, art, and literature. They represent fundamental human experiences and emotions, such as the Hero, the Mother, and the Shadow. Jung believed that these archetypes influence behavior and psychological development. This focus on both the personal unconscious and archetypes distinguishes Jung's therapeutic approach from those of other theorists. For instance, while Freud emphasized the role of repressed memories and unconscious desires, Jung expanded the scope to include culturally significant symbols and shared human experiences. This depth psychology approach allows for a more holistic understanding of an individual's psyche and therapeutic journey.